Still without a contract for next season, Blues winger Chris Stewart has filed for arbitration.

But per True Hockey’s Andy Strickland, it may not get to the hearing stage of the process, as talks have “picked up” between the club and the 25-year-old restricted free agent.

Several different concepts have been discussed with the Blues willing to doing a long-term deal. If both sides actually go to arbitration, St. Louis has the choice of accepting either a one or two year deal. A two-year contract walks the 25-year old right up to unrestricted free agency.

Stewart led St. Louis in scoring last year with 36 points in 48 games. His last contract, a one-year deal, paid him $3 million.

The Blues’ other key RFA is, of course, Alex Pietrangelo. Unlike Stewart, the 23-year-old defenseman does not have arbitration rights, so that deal could take a bit longer.

Blues fan here and I approve moving Halak. If he doesn’t get moved, I see something happening to Perron. I don’t see Armstrong giving up Alex for anything, including an offer sheet. He’ll find a way to make things happen.

Here is an opportunity for Feaster to snag an asset to help a team rebuild. Either get a Goalie via trade in Halak (Ramo shouldn’t be a #1, hope he proves me wrong) OR submit an offer sheet for Pietrangelo. Make it something that St. Louis can’t afford that doesn’t inhibit your ability to draft over the next few years substantially. 2 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd wouldn’t be terrible for someone of Pietrangelo’s caliber.

Well lets be honest. If im feaster I just let them tank this year,get some picks maybe, let ur prospects get some time and experience in the pros, and take a shot at the number one overall pick next year where you can take Connor mcdavid.